Members, I've just gotten back from Borders where I treated myself to a browse and a pricey cup of coffee, and I have a question for you or may be a series of questions. I find that often just the act of writing or talking things out helps me come to a better understanding of what I'm thinking. I'm a self described ponderer. So much so that just thinking about doing something can be as satisfying as actually doing it. As there are 24 hours in everyones day we have to decide how to spend our time. Work, play, eat, sleep, relate, serve, we all decide how we will divide up our days and what we would like to accomplish. So here's my question.

I have had a few people urge me to consider writing a book. The whole idea to me sounds a bit, well, crazy. The only way I got through English in school was by getting extra credit points by adding illustrations to any report to distract my teachers from my grammatical errors and lack of content.My wife has been published and I have seen first hand what goes in to even a small book. People say to her "It must be really fun to be a writer". My wife says to me later " They must have never written anything". I can see it would be a difficult task. I have illustrated books but never wourds and text together. It would be a challenge and could be kind of a cool project similar to the appilcation and bunkai threads I have shared with you. I also have a cd collection of all the martial arts cartoons. The cartoons are easy. A bunkai collection would be like climbing Everest. I mean people do it but why,"because it's there?" So I guess the question would be "Why". I don't really need any additional income which would most likley be modest anyway. I've got more than enough headaches and things to do to keep myself busy. So, help a brother out...."Why".

One the other hand it could be cool to see someone at Borders sitting at a table enjoying a latte a their brand new copy of "The Boobishi" by Oldman.

I think that with a bunkai book out there done with cartoons it will appeal to the younger generations more. If a student at the local McDojo sees this book and asks their instructor, "Why don't we practice bunkai, like in here?" and then the instructor says "we don't do that," the kid may have second thoughts about staying at their McDojo and seeking out a real school that teaches these things.

Now I know that teaching bunkai (including locks and throws) to children is sometimes debated as appropriate or not. But if they at least have this in mind for their future learning in a school, I think that they would be more prone to stay and learn.-That is, for kids who really want to learn the MA, if not they can stay in their McDojos.

Do it for the kids, oldman, think of the kids!!

Plus, it'd be really cool, I know I'd buy a few copies!!!

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We should all take ourselves seriously...and then crumple that image up and toss it out the window.

Joel, I do have concerns about the kids and quite honestly the adults. Maybe it's just best to let people figure things out themselves. On the other hand there are so many more efficient ways to harm someone. Maybe I could start the first chapter with how to hit people with a baseball bat. After that everything would seem responsible and sensible by comparison and too much work to bother with.

Oldman, you like a project (hoodat, bunk-ai etc) and i think this book idea is itching the back of your brain, you mentioned it in the bunk-ai thread, and now have started a thread on it.I think you may be asking 'why?', but I say 'why not?'. Dont know if you are familiar with the graphic novels in 'The Sandman' series by Neil Gaiman, but in the world of Dreams there is a library full of the unwritten books left unrealised by everyone.This always struck me as sad. I think if you have the ability (which you do) and the inclination(?), it could be a great source of joy and satisfaction. Also, as you point out, financial factors are not a concern so you dont have to work to a deadline, little and often. What was your point about saving a dollar a day?(sticky bun financial advice) 1 page a day and in 3 years you got a nice big hardback.

Quote:I think that with a bunkai book out there done with cartoons it will appeal to the younger generations more. If a student at the local McDojo sees this book and asks their instructor, "Why don't we practice bunkai, like in here?" and then the instructor says "we don't do that," the kid may have second thoughts about staying at their McDojo and seeking out a real school that teaches these things.

Since Dr. Jung has told me that I can either take the role of the shadow or find a new job, I am forced to remind everyone that:

[edited]Hedgehogey, if you can somehow prove to me, in private (ie. not on the forum) how the rest of your post was even remotely relevant to the discussion, then I may let you re-post it. Otherwise, stay on topic.-Joel

Do it, Oldman. Do it for me. I have a small collection of technically oreinted articles that I envisioned submitting to Black Belt magazine, but for one reason or another they manage to stay just this side of complete.

So if I am doomed to stay in the twilight of half-acheived dreams, at least you can follow through.

Cord also has a very good point in that the "graphic novel" is a well accepted form nowadays, so you need not aim it towards children unless you are so inclined. (This from a long time comic book reader who remembers when "Michael" killed almost all the Avengers! )

I think it would be great, and don't worry about people not using their imaginations. Many won't anyway. Some people will find a spark in the things you might show. I am one of them. Hell, the whole concept of different applications for kata moves is alien to my AKK sensibilities.

So right there the book could be beneficial to some - no matter what you show.

Go ahead.....do it. You have several guaranteed sales, anyway!

_________________________"In case you ever wondered what it's like to be knocked out, it's like waking up from a nightmare only to discover it wasn't a dream." -Forrest Griffin

If someone's book is going to end up being read by people, and if those people gain something from reading it then I think it is your obligation to write it. It would be a travesty for knowledge not to be passed on.

Did you know that we, in the year 2005, have the same mental capacity as cavemen had?This means, that the only difference between us and the cave men is our ability to store knowledge. Not only store it but transfer it and communicate it from generation to generation. I think it would be a crying shame if someone such as yourself, who obviously has something to contribute (otherwise it would not have been suggested to you and all the replies you are getting would have come to be), does not add to the pool of knowledge that differentiates us from animals.

This may seem a bit idealistic and pretentious, but I truly believe in the notion that knowledge is for sharing, and above anything else rewarding!

If you need more reasons, then tell me and I will list them alphabetically!

The decision to write something is easy...the answer is yes, absolutely do it.The decision to publish it is a much more serious commitment. If you can write something that you think you will still be proud of in 25 years...publish it.

I have no doubt you have the ability to do both. Put me in for a pre-order.